Missouri has not had to search for a starting quarterback for quite some time. The last time there was any real doubt about that, Brad Smith was a redshirt freshman. But, like a mark of spring's arrival, the search for a backup is heating up at Mizzou.

With the team's first spring scrimmage on Saturday, the backup battle is a three-way race. Based on experience, Chase Patton leads the way. Redshirt freshmen Dominic Grooms and J.P. Tillman are battling to make up ground.

"Everything is up in the air," said head coach Gary Pinkel. "What we've got to do is make sure we find out who the second team quarterback is and get him in a position to play."

The ideal hope for the staff is to have someone that can play even if Daniel is healthy. During his true freshman year, Daniel got a couple of series each game in place of Smith. That is a possibility that has been brought up for next season as well.